Hope Pregnancy Center seeks donations to help new moms
BY NOUR HABIB World Scene Writer
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
12/18/12 at 6:43 AM
Reniece Malone, 20, has been attending classes at Hope Pregnancy Center since August.
The center is a nonprofit organization that provides services to those experiencing unplanned pregnancies. Services include pregnancy tests, counseling and parenting classes.
Malone, who gave birth to her second child earlier this month, said the parenting classes have been helpful and she wishes she had known about the center when she had her first child almost three years ago.
Valeska Littlefield, director of the Tulsa center, said participants earn "mommy money" for every class they attend, which they can redeem in the boutique for diapers, baby clothes, cribs and maternity clothing.
Class topics include prenatal education, potty training tips and how to keep your baby from being abused, Littlefield said. Malone said she has also earned extra "mommy money" for completing Bible study homework.
The center, which is a part of Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, has been in operation since 1986.
Malone just finished a program at Community Care College to become a medical assistant. She will take her state board exam after her maternity leave.
"I'm so excited about that," she said.
She plans to continue attending the center's parenting classes, which are offered to participants until their child turns 1.
Littlefield said, "It's really about equipping these moms with the next generation and really helping them become the moms that their children deserve."
As the holidays approach, the center has put together a "Mommy Wish List" of items needed for the boutique. The list includes diapers (newborn to size 6), wipes (preferably unscented), clothing from newborn to age 4T, shoes, coats, and toys appropriate for infants and toddlers.
To make a donation, drop off supplies at the center at 13012 E. 21st St. Business hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
For more information about the center, visit tulsaworld.com/hopepregnancy
How to help
Several other local charity organizations also accept donations of children's items, including clothes, toys and diapers. Call to check needs and drop-off times.
- Catholic Charities: 2450 N. Harvard Ave.; 918-949-4673
- John 3:16 Mission: 506 N. Cheyenne Ave.; 918-587-1197
- Harvest House: 1439 E. 71st Street; 918-492-5511, ext. 32
- Emergency Infant Services: 222 S. Houston Ave.; 918-582-2469 or 918-592-2229
- Broken Arrow Neighbors: 322 W. Broadway, Broken Arrow; 918-251-7781 (closed for the holidays starting Thursday)
- Children's Medical Charities Association: 1125 S. Utica Ave.; 918-579-1122
Original Print Headline: Donations needed to help new moms
Nour Habib 918-581-8369
nour.habib@tulsaworld.com
